What Our Community
Told Us

Most respondents are consistently engaged: six in ten sit with us weekly or near-weekly. But we also heard from a meaningful number who feel connected yet haven't practiced in a while. That these interest-holders answered at all signals that people who have drifted still care about this community. (One note for context: everyone who answered is an established member; no one identified as new or exploring.)

Practice today happens largely online. Morning zazen by Zoom and Sunday dharma study are the most common ways people join, with Wednesday talks and the monthly half-day sits close behind.

Four people also described other ways they take part — meetings with Tim, book study, retreats, and social gatherings or walks.

Asked which format works best, the community splits almost evenly between hybrid, in-person, and Zoom — with a slight lean toward hybrid. The message is clear: hybrid is not a convenience to phase out post-COVID. It is how a large part of the sangha practices today.

Above all, meditation is the near-universal draw. After meditation comes the larger questions of meaning, self, the shape of a life — alongside community, the study of the teachings, and a wish for some contemplative counterweight to ordinary busyness.

Asked to name up to three things they value most about CSZ today, the community pointed to three pillars: regular opportunities to sit, Tim's teaching, and the warmth of the community. Close behind came Zoom and hybrid access and our connection to the wider Soto Zen and Everyday Zen lineage.

Ten people reported no barriers. For others, what stands in the way is mostly life: work and family schedules, weekday timing, and for some, the distance or drive to the zendo. A few told us it is simply hard to keep track of what is happening — especially if they are not on Facebook.

• Time & schedulingBy far the most common — work and personal schedules, and weekday-evening timing that's hard to attend in person.
• Distance & commuteFor several, the zendo is simply too far; a couple would prefer all-day or weekend formats that justify the trip.
• Keeping track of what's onAt least one member isn't on Facebook and finds it hard to follow events — and would value a regular email update.
• A wish for more varietyA small number would like more range and depth in what's offered.

This is the heart of the survey. Asked what they would take part in if CSZ offered it, the community pointed to a clear cluster of desired offerings.

In a sentence: people are asking for retreats, connection, and teachers — longer sittings, time together outside formal practice, ties to the wider Soto Zen world, and visiting teachers, supported by opportunities to deepen practice.

Encouragingly, people offered generously across the board — and the form of support people offered most often was financial, closely followed by volunteering time and skills, welcoming newcomers, and sharing practice experience. Many more simply said: I'm not sure how yet, but I'm open.

People are willing to give, but giving has not always been easy to act on. In the months ahead we'll be making it simpler to know how to offer dana and support the activities you've told us you want.

Many people left open comments. To protect privacy in a community as small as ours, we won't quote individuals but the themes were clear. A recurring note was gratitude: for the practice, for Tim's teaching, for having found this sangha at all. Beyond that, people voiced hopes:

• GratitudeAppreciation for the practice, the teaching, and the welcome of the community.
• Hopes to growA wish to reach others and grow the sangha in a city this size.
• Draw on our depthMore opportunities for experienced practitioners and visiting teachers to share their wisdom.
• Better hybridPractical improvements to the Zoom experience so remote practice feels fully present.